Three female rhinos from Israel's safari zoo in the central city of Ramat Gan took a day trip recently and escaped through a side gate after one of the security guards has fallen asleep.

The three, named Rihanna, Keren Peles after a popular Israeli singer and Karnabella, Hebrew for Rhino-bella, were caught on CCTV camera running back into the safari while being chased by the guard.

The safari spokeswoman Sagit Horowitz said the rhinos managed to flee after the guard fell asleep at 0600 when the side gates opened to the public.

When the three arrived at the parking lot they were spotted by passers-by who called the police which alerted the safari, she added. The zoo manager rushed to the site and drove them back by clapping his hands, she said.

The guard who fell asleep was fired, Horowitz added.

Israel